Orlesian royalty and nobility

The Orlesian Empire is probably best known for two things – being the birthplace of the Chantry and for its extravagant royalty and nobility. Orlais has a large aristocracy famed for its excess, in particular the fashionable use of cosmetics and complicated clothing, from colorful shoes to elaborate masks.[1]

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Among the Orlesian nobility, status and appearance are set above all things. Orlesian culture is renowned for its infighting, with every family engaging in what is known as the Grand Game whose object is to one-up rival nobles.[2]

Outside of Orlais, it is believed that the lower classes find nobility and the Game contemptible. In truth, most Orlesians aspire to become its participants – even Briala's parents were players of the Game[3], even though they were only servants, and elven ones at that. Some say that Orlais is a kind of meritocracy, and it is true that anyone could conceivably join the ranks of nobility if they become wealthy enough. For example, a lucky merchant with a powerful patron could gain a title through the Council of Heralds. However, it is exceptionally rare and for most commoners ennoblement remains an unattainable goal.[2]

Emperor Drakon, the founder of the Empire, abolished all noble titles with the exception of Lord, Lady and Emperor, fearing that the Grand Game would tear the nation apart. It did not end the Game as Drakon had intended and only made it worse. The nobles began to find other ways to state their superiority and even collect unofficial titles, such as "the exalted patron of Tassus Klay" or "uncle to the champion of Tremmes".[4] With this failure the official titles would later be restored.[5]

Titles other than Lord and Lady were abolished again in 8:29 Blessed by Emperor Reville. He decreed that no noble of Orlais was the equal of the Imperial family and thus all would only carry the title of Lord or Lady in his presence. This resulted again in the use of unofficial titles among the nobles. Outside of the Imperial court, the use of both, the traditional titles and the ornate, unofficial ones, continued as a social matter. Reville also bestowed new titles to certain nobles during this period.[6]

When Reville died in 8:51 Blessed, many among the gentry hoped their titles would be restored. Many nobles with pre-existing, traditional titles claimed the new Lords and Ladies only deserved their new title, which naturally placed them lowest in the hierarchy of the Game. This nearly sparked civil war within the empire. It took the assassination of Emperor Etienne II[7] to decree that courtly titles would be maintained—with tacit recognition of “unofficial” titles being handled through the use of the Council of Heralds.[6]

Title for direct family members of the ruler, including their children and siblings.

Grand Duke

Grand Duchess

Your Highness

Title for those who were once princes or princesses but are no longer directly related to the emperor. Not hereditary.

Duke

Duchess

Your Grace

The highest noble title.

Marquis

Marquise

Your Grace

Noble title. Lower than duke/duchess.

Comte

Comtesse

Your Lordship/Ladyship

Noble title. Lower than marquis/marquise.

Baron

Baroness

Your Lordship/Ladyship

Lowest noble title, often considered the equivalent of lord or lady.

Lord

Lady

Monsieur/Madame,"de" or "du" honorific

Acceptable address for any nobility, no matter the rank, but not royalty.

Chevalier

Dame

Ser

Title reserved for the order of Orlesian knights.

Note: The title of viscount is not known to be used in Orlais, and instead the Orlesians have a vicomte or a vicomtesse (for example, the Vicomtesse of Mont-de-glace); despite this, chevalier Ser Michel Lafaille was appointed a Viscount of Orlesian-occupied Kirkwall.

Empress Jeaneve Drakon I – one of the early Orlesian rulers. She created many of the traditions and practices of the imperial court. Her guard, the Empress's Arm, were one of the main predecessors of the chevaliers.[10]

Emperor Xavier Drakon – Deposed by Alphonse Valmont in the late Exalted Age, he was the last of the Drakon dynasty to hold the Orlesian throne.

Emperor Alphonse Valmont – the first of the Valmont dynasty to rule Orlais.

Duke Remache of Lydes – Gaspard de Chalons' ally during the Orlesian Civil War, his death sparked a succession crisis between his daughter Monette, his brother Jean-Gaspard and his cousin Caralina. [29]

Duchess Marissa de Ghislain - died in 8:96 Blessed of the blue death, later succeeded by her younger brother Bastien.

Duchess de Savrenne – unnamed duchess who, in 9:41 Dragon, had originally ordered stone from Sahrnia; but later changed her mind and donated to the building of a fountain in honour of Celene's war efforts.[34]

Lady Cecilie Vasseur – lover of music and guardian of Leliana following the death of Oisine, Leliana's mother and Cecilie's handmaiden;[105] she and her household left Ferelden following the Fereldan Rebellion.[106]